Dana Perino

Dana Perino
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Dana Perino
Birth date	May 9, 1972
Birth place	Evanston, Wyoming
Occupation	Political commentator, author

Dana Perino is a renowned American political commentator and author, best known for her tenure as the White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She has worked with prominent figures such as Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice. Perino's career has been marked by her involvement in high-profile events, including the Iraq War and the War on Terror. Her expertise has been sought by various media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, and NBC News.

● Early Life and Education

Dana Perino was born in Evanston, Wyoming, and grew up in Denver, Colorado. She developed an interest in politics at a young age, inspired by figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Perino attended Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she studied mass communications and political science. She later earned a master's degree in public affairs from University of Illinois at Springfield. During her time at university, Perino was influenced by the works of William F. Buckley Jr. and George Will.

● Career

Perino began her career in Washington, D.C. as a staff assistant for Congressman Scott McInnis. She later worked for Congressman Dan Schaefer and the House of Representatives Committee on International Relations. In 2001, Perino joined the Department of Justice as a spokesperson, where she worked closely with Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller. Her experience in the Justice Department prepared her for her future role in the White House.

● White House Press Secretary

In 2007, Perino was appointed as the White House Press Secretary by President George W. Bush, succeeding Tony Snow. During her tenure, she worked with prominent journalists, including Helen Thomas, David Gregory, and Jake Tapper. Perino played a key role in shaping the Bush administration's message on issues like the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the Financial crisis of 2007-2008. She also worked closely with other senior officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley.

● Post-White House Career

After leaving the White House, Perino joined Burson-Marsteller as a chief issues counselor. She later became a contributor to Fox News, appearing on programs like The O'Reilly Factor and Hannity & Colmes. Perino has also worked with The Daily Beast and The Washington Post, writing articles on topics like politics, foreign policy, and current events. Her expertise has been sought by various organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Heritage Foundation.

● Personal Life

Perino is married to Peter McMahon, a businessman and former Goldman Sachs executive. The couple resides in New York City and New Jersey. Perino is an avid hiker and dog lover, and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Humane Association and the National Park Foundation. She has also been a supporter of conservation efforts, working with organizations like the Nature Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

● Public Appearances and Writing

Perino has made numerous public appearances, including speeches at the National Press Club and the Heritage Foundation. She has also written articles for various publications, including The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Perino's book, And the Good News Is...: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side, was published in 2015 and became a New York Times bestseller. She has also been a guest on popular podcasts, including The Ben Shapiro Show and The Hugh Hewitt Show, discussing topics like politics, media, and culture. Perino's work has been recognized by various organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Television Digital News Association.